Fox O&Os, Weigel Launch Movies! Digi-Net

Another player in crowded entertainment subchannel space

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/28/2013 1:58:33 PM

Fox Television Stations and Weigel Broadcasting are partnering on Movies!, a film-themed subchannel launching in 17 Fox-owned markets this spring. The network's aim is "to create a new destination for movie fans that is fan-friendly and available for free via over-the-air television, and in many cases via local cable carriage," said Fox in a statement.

Movies! will be available on Fox subchannels in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Phoenix, Tampa, Minneapolis, Orlando, Austin, Memphis and Ocala.

"We're doing Movies! because this content works in the D2 space," said Frank Cicha, senior VP of programming at Fox Television Stations. "Weigel has proven that in their other ventures, which is why we've chosen to work with them. While we've successfully used our D2 spectrum to some degree, this is the first time we're going in with all stations on board, which is exciting."

Movies! enters a crowded entertainment multicast net space that includes This TV, Me-TV, Antenna TV and NBC Owned Stations rookie Cozi TV. Weigel owns Me-TV, which airs classic TV shows, and is a partner, with MGM, on This TV.

The films will air 24 hours a day and will appear in a 16 by 9 format.

"We are excited to work with the Fox Television Station Group in the creation of the next digital network franchise," said Neal Sabin, president of content and networks, Weigel Broadcasting.